What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution on global trade?

The impact of the Industrial Revolution on global trade was significant, particularly through the fostering of new trade relations via industrial goods. As industrialization progressed, countries began to produce a greater variety of manufactured goods at a higher volume and lower cost. This shift from agrarian economies to industrial ones not only increased production capacities but also created a demand for raw materials necessary for manufacturing.

Consequently, nations sought new markets to export their industrial goods, leading to expanded trade networks. The availability of railroads and steamships further facilitated the movement of goods across significant distances, breaking down previous limitations on trade. New technologies and innovations in transportation lowered costs and improved efficiency, encouraging international commerce between nations that previously engaged in limited or local trade. Therefore, the Industrial Revolution is recognized for transforming trade dynamics and establishing intricate global trade relationships centered around manufactured products and resources, marking a key development in economic history.